commit oneself to a/the relationship

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taked4700

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Hi,

"Lots of women complain that the problem with men is that they won't commit themselves to a/the relationship"

Which of the articles is more idiomatic in this context?

I guess both of them make sense and equally idiomatic.

Thanks in advance.
 

SoothingDave

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Yes, it could go either way depending on whether the women are thinking of men in general or their specific relationship.

"Their relationship" is another possibility here.
 

taked4700

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"Their relationship" is another possibility here.

Thank you, SoothingDave.

What does 'their' mean? Does this mean both women and men or men only?

Thanks in advance.
 

SoothingDave

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Thank you, SoothingDave.

What does 'their' mean? Does this mean both women and men or men only?

Thanks in advance.

It could mean either. Ultimately, the man and the women are in the same relationship, so it doesn't really matter.
 

taked4700

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Thank you, SoothingDave.

The question I asked in the above post was not clear enough and I'm sorry for that.

What I just wanted to ask is whether 'his/her/my relationship' make sense when relationship implies there are more than two people.

Alice complains that Tom won't commit himself to his relationship.

Is this correct?

I guess that 'his relationship with her' would make sense in this context.

Thanks in advance.
 

SoothingDave

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Use "their relationship" in that sentence.
 
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